The Dynasties, Volume 1: This Sceptred Isle

Anna Massey tells the story of some of the ambitious families who helped shape the history of the British Isles and have wielded power behind the scenes for the past 1000 years. The Dynasties relates how the loyalties of this privileged elite, many of whom are older than the monarchy itself, were tested and rewarded: it also uncovers a multitude of murderous plots, bloody battles, adulteries, intrigues and shocking executions. In this first volume, three powerful houses are examined.

This Sceptred Isle: The Dynasties Volume 2

Anna Massey tells the story of some of the ambitious families who helped shape the history of the British Isles and have wielded power behind the scenes for the past 1000 years. The Dynasties relates how the loyalties of this privileged elite, many of whom are older than the monarchy itself, were tested and rewarded: it also uncovers a multitude of murderous plots, bloody battles, adulteries, intrigues and shocking executions.

This Sceptred Isle, Volume 1: 55 BC-1087 Julius Caesar to William the Conqueror

Volume 1, covering the years 55BC to 1087, tells the beginning of the story: 400 years of peace for the island of Britannia under the Romans before a plunge into the Dark Ages and the invasion of those who would become the English: Angles, Saxons, Danes and Norwegians.

This Sceptred Isle: The Dynasties, Volume 3

Anna Massey tells the story of some of the ambitious families who helped shape the history of the British Isles and have wielded power behind the scenes for the past 1000 years. The Dynasties relates how the loyalties of this privileged elite, many of whom are older than the monarchy itself, were tested and rewarded: it also uncovers a multitude of murderous plots, bloody battles, adulteries, intrigues and shocking executions.

This Sceptred Isle, Volume 2: 1087-1327 The Making of the Nation

Volume 2 covers the years 1087 to 1327, a time of wars between the English and the Scots, of Crusades and of civil war. Yet in amongst the fighting lay the foundations of the modern state: the Magna Carta and the calling of the first parliament.

This Sceptred Isle: The Dynasties Volume 4

Anna Massey tells the story of some of the ambitious families who helped shape the history of the British Isles and have wielded power behind the scenes for the past 1000 years. The Dynasties relates how the loyalties of this privileged elite, many of whom are older than the monarchy itself, were tested and rewarded: it also uncovers a multitude of murderous plots, bloody battles, adulteries, intrigues and shocking executions.

This Sceptred Isle Vol 10: The Age of Victoria 1837-1901

Volume 10 covers the years 1837 to 1901: the Victorian Age. The Queen's 64-year reign oversaw huge social changes, wrought by Palmerston, Gladstone, and Disraeli; Dickens, Trollope, Robert Louis Stevenson, Gilbert and Sullivan; the first bicycle and the first electric light bulb.

This Sceptred Isle Vol 8: Nelson, Wellington, & Napoleon 1792-1815

Christopher Lee's history of Britain provides the definitive radio account of the events and personalities that have shaped our nation. From foreign invasions and war to economic crises and social revolution, this is a compelling journey through centuries of dramatic change.Volume 8 covers the years 1792 to 1815, a time of war all over Europe, which created national heroes out of Nelson and Wellington as they battled against Napoleon.

This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century, Volume 2, 1919-1939

Volume 2, covering the years 1919-1939, looks at a Britain ravaged by war and at the mercy of millions of striking workers. It also takes in the lighter side of life in the 1920s and 30s, including the first loaf of bread going on sale and the glory days of Fred Perry.

Charles Of New York says:"A Spectuacular Series, Brilliantly Portrayed"

This Sceptred Isle Vol 9: Regency & Reform 1815-1837

Christopher Lee's history of Britain provides the definitive radio account of the events and personalities that have shaped our nation. Volume 9, covering the years 1815 till 1837, describes a period of prosperity, wit, and elegance, as well as scandal, change, and social ferment. The Duke of Wellington became prime minister, Sir Robert Peel began the Metropolitan Police, and slavery was abolished in the British Empire.

This Sceptred Isle: Empire, Volume 1: 1155-1783

Britain had the biggest empire the world has ever known. At one time a quarter of the global land mass was British. Over a third of the world was insured at Lloyds. At his coronation, more than 400 million people saluted George V. Truly, the sun never set on this historical phenomenon. Whatever the day, whatever the hour, somewhere on the globe, the empire worked and played the British game, often absurdly so.

This Sceptred Isle: Empire, Volume 2: 1783-1876

This is Volume 2 of the eagerly-awaited follow-up to Christopher Lee's highly-acclaimed and award-winning BBC Radio 4 series. BBC Radio 4's monumental history of Britain picks up the story of the British Empire at the point where the American colonies have become the United States of America with their triumph over General Cornwallis and the British army at Yorktown in 1781. These are the years when British influence grew steadily around the globe.

This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century, Volume 4, 1959-1979

Volume 4, covering the years 1959-1979, includes the erection of the Berlin Wall, putting the first man on the moon, the Vietnam War, and the astonishing success of a young man called Cassius Clay. Closer to home, the Beatles generated worldwide hysteria and Profumo caused a scandal.

This Sceptred Isle, Volume 3: 1327-1547 The Black Prince to Henry V

Volume 3, covering the years 1327 to 1547, takes us through a bloody and turbulent time in English history: the Hundred Years' War with France, the Peasants' Revolt, the triumph of Henry V at Agincourt, the Wars of the Roses, and, of course, the reign of the larger-than-life Henry VIII.

This Sceptred Isle Vol 5: Restoration & Glorious Revolution 1660-1702

Christopher Lee's history of Britain provides the definitive radio account of the events and personalities that have shaped our nation. Volume 5, covering the years 1660 to 1702, is about great change: the restoration of the monarchy, the Great Plague, the Great Fire in the nation's capital, and, following the immense unpopularity of James II's Catholicism, a ruler from a different country on the throne, William of Orange.

This Sceptred Isle Vol 4: Elizabeth I to Cromwell 1547-1660

Christopher Lee's history of Britain provides the definitive radio account of the events and personalities that have shaped our nation. From foreign invasions and war to economic crises and social revolution, this is a compelling journey through centuries of dramatic change. Volume 4, covering the years 1547 to 1660, describes some momentous events: the long reign of Elizabeth I; the personal union of England and Scotland under her successor, James VI and I; and, of course, the Civil War.

This Sceptred Isle Vol 7: The Age of Revolutions 1760-1792

Christopher Lee's history of Britain provides the definitive radio account of the events and personalities that have shaped our nation. Volume 7, covering the years 1760 to 1792, describes the impact of developments in the world outside Britain: revolution in America created a new nation and, in France, changed the face of Europe. At home, George III battles to establish the constitutional monarchy we know today.

This Sceptred Isle Vol 6: The First British Empire 1702-1760

Christopher Lee's history of Britain provides the definitive radio account of the events and personalities that have shaped our nation. Volume 6, covering the years 1702 to 1760, looks at several firsts: the reign of the first Hanoverian king, George I; the man known as Britain's first prime minister, Robert Walpole; the first renditions of 'Rule Britannia' and 'God Save the King'; and, importantly, the first appearance of gin!

This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century, Volume 1, 1901-1919

Continuing the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series of the story of Britain, from the start of the twentieth century to the present day. Christopher Lee's history of Britain, This Sceptred Isle, provided the definitive radio account of the nation form the arrival of Julius Caesar to the death of Queen Victoria.

Foundation: The History of England from Its Earliest Beginnings to the Tudors: The History of England, Book 1

In Foundation the chronicler of London and of its river, the Thames, takes us from the primeval forests of England's prehistory to the death of the first Tudor king, Henry VII, in 1509. He guides us from the building of Stonehenge to the founding of the two great glories of medieval England: common law and the cathedrals. He shows us glimpses of the country's most distant past - a Neolithic stirrup found in a grave, a Roman fort, a Saxon tomb, a medieval manor house.

This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century, Volume 5, 1979-1999

Volume 5, covering the years 1979-1999, looks at the Thatcher years, the Falklands War, and the greatest ever Royal wedding. Beyond Britain, Mikhail Gorbachev was influencing world affairs and, back in the nation's capital, a dome was being built to celebrate the approaching millennium.

This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century, Volume 3, 1939-1959

Volume 3, covering the years 1939-1959, takes a global perspective. Following the horrors of the Second World War, culminating in the horrific bombing of Hiroshima and the onset of the Cold War, a great blossoming of popular culture began with such icons as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and the Mini.

This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century 1939-1959

Volume 3, covering the years 1939-1959, takes a global perspective. Following the horrors of the Second World War, which culminated with the horrific bombing of Hiroshima and the onset of the Cold War, came the beginnings of popular culture: Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and the Mini.

The Modern Scholar: Medieval Mysteries: The History Behind the Myths of the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages is not only a period of Romance, but of legends, tales, and mysteries. In this course, Professor Thomas F. Madden guides listeners through the most famous and enduring narratives of medieval Europe. Beginning with King Arthur, Professor Madden peels back layers of exaggeration and fiction to lay bare the historical basis for the mythical king.

The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors

The 15th century saw the longest and bloodiest series of civil wars in British history. The crown of England changed hands five times as two branches of the Plantagenet dynasty fought to the death for the right to rule. Now, celebrated historian Dan Jones describes how the longest reigning British royal family tore itself apart until it was finally replaced by the Tudors. Some of the greatest heroes and villains in history were thrown together in these turbulent times.

Publisher's Summary

Anna Massey tells the story of some of the ambitious families who helped shape the history of the British Isles and have wielded power behind the scenes for the past 1000 years. The Dynasties relates how the loyalties of this privileged elite, many of whom are older than the monarchy itself, were tested and rewarded: it also uncovers a multitude of murderous plots, bloody battles, adulteries, intrigues and shocking executions. In this first volume, three powerful houses are examined. The Godwines counted amongst their number the Earl of Wessex, who helped make Edward the Confessor king, as well as Harold II who fought the Battle of Hastings. The north-dwelling Percys produced Hotspur, who Shakespeare immortalised; whilst the royalist Despensers won land from the Welsh but were destined for a violent end.

This book is only 4 hours but lots of material is covered in the time frame. Christopher Lee tells the story of some of the ambitious families who helped shape the British Isles. He starts with Ethelred and then to the Godwine family including Earl of Wessex who as head of Godwine family put Edward the Confessor and Harold II on the throne. He discusses the Percy's of Northern England including Hotspur, who Shakespeare immortalised. The book goes up to the civil war. I assume Volume two will carry on the history. Great for an overview of the subject. England had so many Edward's, Henry's, William's and George's it is had to keep them straight, this book helps one do so. Anna Massey did a good job reading the book.

Yes, I would recommend it. The narration is easy to understand, and the writing style is very brisk yet includes a lot of detail. It's a relatively short book, but you get to know each of the personalities in the powerful families. Makes learning history a lot of fun!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dynasties, Volume 1?

Learning a lot of facts about the kings, especially Harold. I had never heard some of the main points of his life story before. All I knew about were some battles he'd been in. In this audiobook, I picked up a lot more.

What does Anna Massey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice is warm and she handles the dramatic tones very well. She lends the narration as much enticing sonic strength as an actor in a play.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Wanted: man of strong character for job in politics. Must not mind intrigue, skulduggery, large hats.

Any additional comments?

There is one problem with the audiobook. For some reason, the last two shorter segments repeat the end of the second major section. We hear the entire stories of the Despensers and Percys twice. This is some kind of production mistake, and the BBC should post a re-edit with the corrections, to ease the listener's experience.

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